Yesterday reminded me of Thanksgiving. It was very slow. We all stood around waiting to check out customers because we ran out of material to read, considering Thanksgiving was just last week and the magazines haven’t been changed yet. But, as soon as 5pm hit, the crowd started to pour in. Everyone was wearing either Oregon Ducks or Oregon State Beavers merchandise and they were buying nothing but snacks. Chips, dip, chicken wings, bite size candy cars, vegetable trays, and lots of beer. I felt as if I was working in a convenience store like 7-11. The Civil War, as it’s called, is the biggest in-state college football rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State. All I heard while working was either, “Ducks, Beavers, or beer.” The rush only lasted up until the start of the game, which was 6pm, and then it went dead. I started to get irritated because my co-workers were asking if they could go home every 15 minutes it seems.
Tiny Tina: Paul, can I go home?
Me: No…
Tiny Tina: When can I?
Me: Not sure.
Tiny Tina: You’re such a meanie! Why don’t you just let me go home!
Me: Just because of that comment, you’re not. I hold your freedom in my hands!
We didn’t need to know who the winner of the game was. We could tell by the faces of the customers as they checked out, still with their game attire on; the faces of joy and faces of despair were scattered throughout the grocery store. Fans are so passionate about their teams that even the slightest comment will tick them off.
A girl wearing a small black jacket with her zippers up, clearly covering her Oregon Beavers T-shirt, came in my line and the mascara around her eyes was messed up as if she had been crying.
Me: Hi, so how was the game?
Beaver Fan: We lost…by 4 points.
Me: It’s OK, just a game.
Beaver Fan: It’s not just a game! Its the Civil War! We were so close to going to the Rose Bowl!
Whoa…
A guy behind her was wearing an Oregon Ducks hat, buying more beer to celebrate. He was cheerfully smiling as she let out her frustrations. He watched her as she left.
Duck Fan: Poor thing…
Duck Fan: Gimme a high-five brotha! Ducks won!
